Vibrating, tension, and operating table.



J. LEND; I VIBRATING, TENSION, AND OPERATING TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED APB.9,1908. I

937,825. Patented 0015.26, 1909.

3 BHEETBT-SHEET 1.

- J. LEND. TENSION, AND OPERATING TABLE.

VIBRATING,

APPLICATION I'ILLED APILQ, 190B.

Patented Oct. 26, 1909.

a snbnws-snnn'r 2.

. I J. LEND.

VIBBATING, TENSION, AND OPERATING TABLE. v T APPLICATION FILED APB.9, 1908. 9,137,825, 1 Patented Oct. 26, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED stmwnivrr OFFICE.

JOHN LEND, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

VIBRATING, TENSION, AND OPERATING TABLE.

To all whom ii may concern: I

Be it known that I, JOHN LEND, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, (look county, Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vibrating, Tension, and Operating Tables; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

In many of the ailments afflicting mankind, at least one of the causes may be found in the undue pressure brought upon certain nerves and blood vessels and arteries due to malformations and to deformities in the cervical, dorsal or lumbar portions of the spinal column whereby the cartilaginous pad between the vertebrae are reduced in thickness sufficiently to somewhat pinch or compress the'nerves and blood vessels or arteries accompanying the same where they pass into or out of the spinal column. Frequently also calcareous or limy deposits, particularly in some forms of rheumatism are formed between the vertebrae thus rendering the cartilaginous pads of almosta bony nature and in such cases destroying the flexibility of the spinal column. In such cases, obviously, medicinal and surgical treatment can be of but little or no avail and while.

massage and mechanical extension attending to relieve -the pressure and tending also to gradually more or less break up the calcareous deposits and remove the same by exciting the vascular system in that region, to-

greater activity may afiord relief In such cases,'it has been found that to apply tension sometimes to the extent of several hundred pounds to the s inal column or those portions of the spina column affected and at the same time exciting the nerves and vascular system to increase activity by rapid vibration of the bench or to massage either with or without hot or cold applications and if desired, electrical applications, have proved effective where other means have failed. Of course, where similar troubles have affected other joints, as for instance, the joints of the arm or leg, similar extension, vibration, massage with or without attendant hot or cold and electrical applications are efiective to afford relief and to excite and stimulate the nerves and vascular Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 26, 1909.

Application filed April 9, 1908 Serial No. 426,155.

system in that region to remove the cause of the trouble.

With this inview, it is the object of this invention to afford a tension table provided with mechanism whereby any joint or joints of the patient may be subjected to powerful yet careful and graduated tension and at the same time subject the affected region to intense vibratory action.

It is also an object of the invention to so construct the operating;table as to permit massage to be applied to the afliicted area.

It is also an object of the invention to construct the operating table and the mechanism attached thereto so as to afford a comfortable and well padded support for the patient while undergoing operation and to permit any portion of the support to be removed from beneath the patient to permit the application of massage, hot or cold, applications, electrical or other treatment.

It is also an object of the invention to mechanism and in which the actuating means for the mechanisms are provided and whereby the tension exerted upon the patient can be carefullygraduated by the operator who manually actuates .the tension devices.

The invention embraces many novel features and. consists in the matters hereinafter described and more fully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings:-Figure 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same. Fig.

3 is an enlarged section taken on line 33 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail sec- "tion showing the vibrating mechanism in side elevation.- Fig. 5 is an enlarged section 4 taken on line 55 of Fig.2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged section taken on line '6-6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is an enlarged section on line 7-7 of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section on line 88 of Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail of the lock whereby the tension when applied is maintained. Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section online l010 of Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is an enlarged end view of the jaws and vibrating shaft. Fig. 12 is an enlarged frag mentary top plan View illustratihg the pivot bearing for the vibrating shaft.

As shown in the drawings: Said table comprises a strong frame of requisite length and Width consisting of side rails A, end rails A-A and supported upon legs a, constructed of either wood or metal as preferred, but of such strength as to "insure great rigidity and satisfactory support'fon the operating mechanism and the weight ofthe patient.

Rigidly secured on each of the side rails and projecting inwardly are brackets BB, which may conveniently be constructed of cast metal rigidly bolted to the side rails and on. the top of which, extending for the entire length of the table and rigidly secured to the end rails are lateral tracks 6, parallel with the side rails and but a short distance therefrom.

Rigidly secured on the extremities of the brackets B, and to the head rail A at the head of the table are short track sections 1), said tracks, as shown, in each instance consist of steel channel bars, the channel bars forming the track I), being bolted upon said brackets wit-h the flanges thereof projecting upwardly and the channels forming the track rails 6, being bolted to the ends of the channel as shown 1n Figs. 2, 8 and 10, with the flanges thereof directed inwardly. J ournaled transversely the table intermediate the middle thereof and the end rail A, are rotative shafts C-C, provided at one side the table with intermeshing gears c-c, rigidly secured on the respective shafts whereby said shafts of necessity rotate oppositely and secured on the out-er end of the shaft C, is a hand wheel 0 for rotating the shafts. Said shafts are journaled close beneath the track rails Z), and rigidly secured on the middle of the shaft C '1s agear or-pinion 0 and secured on the shaft C, near the inner side of each of the track rails 12, are pinions a Extending longitudinally and centrally of the table from near the middle thereof to the foot rail A is a rack bar 0!, with which the pinion 0 on the shaft C meshes, as shown in Fig. 5, and rigidly secured on the rear end of said rack bar is a transverse bar D, which at its ends is provided with downwardly directed heads cl, which fit in and slide in the channels forming said lateral track I). Rigidly bolted on said rail and centrally thereof is the lower member d of the leg clamps. Said lower member, as shoyvn, consists of a ralsed saddle piece of requisite length directed transversely the machme and having near each end thereof a semi-circular seat (Z Hinged at one end in any suitable manner of the saddle piece d is the complemental upper clamping member d Said upper clamping member is conveniently of the same length as the saddle member and is provided 011 the under side with semi-ciruclar seats (2 corresponding and registering with the seats of 5 The extremity of the lower clamping or saddle member opposite from the hinge is provided with a longitudinal upwardly and outwardly opening slot, in which is pivotallyengaged in a bolt cl adapted to extend upwardly through a corresponding slot in the end of the upper clamping member and threaded for engagement by a corresponding nut (Z whereby the clamp may be rigidly secured in closed position.

Supported on the track rails Z), near the middle of the table is a rigid frame E, as

shown constructed of angle bars rigidly bolted together with the webs thereof extending inwardly and the flanges upwardly of the outer side and affording a strong rectangular frame on which the patient is to be supported. Said frame is provided on its under side at convenient points with rollers or track wheels 6, which run in said channel tracks I), and if preferred and as shown, said rollers may be provided with rubber tires. Extending transversely said frame and intermediate the middle and the end thereof andbolted thereto is a channel bar a, the web of which is directed toward the foot of the table and the flange of which is directedupwardly and between the foot end of said frame and said angle bar 6, and

resting on the webs of the lateral frame members are transverse slots E, on the tops of which are carefully upholstered pads 0 on'which the patient lies. Rigidly bolted on on one of said frame members near the middle thereof is a knuckle 0 having a vertical cylindric aperture thcrethrough, in which, is rotatably engaged a cylindric pin c adapted to be rigidly held from rotation by means of a set screw 6". The head 6 of said pin projects above the knuckle and is trans-v versely slotted and apertured to receive therein the ends a, of a bar e", which is hinged thereto by means of a pivot pin 0", inserted through the head of said pin and the aperturein said bar. Said bar is curved in semi-circular form and extends above and across said frame and at its opposite end is adapted to receive therethrough a threaded end of an eye bolt 6 pivotally engaged on the opposite frame member, and

which is provided with a nut idly locks said bar in position, and as shown, extending through suitable loops e secured in the under side of the bar and centrally thereof is the strap 6 adapted to be secured about the body of the patient, if desired, to partly support his weight and in any event, to confine the patient to the table. Said frame is provided longitudinally on the opthereof and near the end thereof are the brackets F, directed toward the head of the table and extending upwardly from which and'rigidly secured thereto are bolts 7, on which are secured washers f, the under sides of which are riveted or provided with teeth "said bars F may having abrupt faces directed toward the foot of the table and threaded on said bolts to bear on said washers are nuts f Extending longitudinally of the table and resting on the head frame member E and transverse bar 6, are bars F, one on each side of said movable frame and whichare longitudinally slotted and' from the front end to a considerable portion of their length to receive said bolts 'therethrough and which are provided w1th ratchet teeth on their upper side directed towardthe head of the table and complemental with the ratchet teeth on said washer f, and wherebyv said washersmay be adjusted longitudinally of the table and rigidly engaged on the mov able frame when adjusted.

At the rear end of each bar and at a position to engage in the axilla of the patient are upwardly directed brackets F the upward sides of which are upholstered to fit beneath the arms andthe rear portions of which afford broad and comparatively thin curved webs P, which are curved upwardly and inwardly to engage about the patients chest or trunk. Extending downwardlyfrom each bar and pivotally engaged thereon is. a stud f, each provided with.

an aperture extending transversely therethrough,

to engage opposite right and left threaded ends of shaft 1, whereby the rear ends of be adjusted inwardly or outwardly to bring the shoulder pad 1" into proper position for the patient. A' hand wheel f is provided on one end of said shaft for actuating the Same.

Journale'd longitudinally of the table in bearings G-G secured centrally on the bar 6 and frame bar E is a shaft g, adapted 11' e whlch rig nected in any suitable manner one of which is provided with a left thread and the other with a right thread 'to be rotated to some extent by hand wheels 9, rest G shaped in its upper side to fit the head and the back of the neck of the patient and padded with upholstery material 9 Rigidly secured on one side of the headrest is an? upwardly directed strap g adapted to be brought beneath the chin of the patient and secured on'the opposite side of the headrest in any suitable manner, thereby confining the head of the patient to the headrest and enabling tension to be applied to the neck ifdesired, while permitting the head to be rotated by means of the hand wheel.

Slidably secured in the track formed by the channel rails b, is the motor frame, which also carries the vibrating mechanism. Said motor frame may be constructed of wood or any suitable material and comprises. transverse bars HH-H rigidly conin parallel relation and to secure strength, and which extend into channels of said track rails I), to slide therein. secured to the rails H'H are longitudinal bars 71?, one on each side of the center and on which is supported for adjustment longitudinally of said bars a pivot post h. As shown, said post is provided with a broad base adapted to the top and inner sides of said bars and is adapted to be rigidly clamp-ed by means of a stud screw 72, The upper end of said post is slotted longitudinally the frame and pivotally engaged therein is a sleeve 71, through which extends thevibrating shaft h ,'an d as shown, a set screw 71 extends through said sleeve to engage the shaft to rigidly screw .the same in the sleeve after the adjustment of the post on the frame, and whereby said shaft 72, may be adjusted on said post to vary the length of-the portions extending beyond-the pivot bearing thus varying the amplitude of vibration to be effected bynthe shaft. Said shaft ispivotally engaged at thecenter of said head end frame member E and at the forward'end of the shaft and rigidly secured thereon is a head h", provided with a horizontal slot therein on" the upper and lower sides of which are journaled rollers h.

on said frame and rigidly secured to the frame members HH is a motor H shown as an electrical motor of any suitable kind, and the shaft of which extends upwardly and is journaled. in its upper end on a bracket h, rigidly secured to the frame. Rigidly secured on the motor shaft in position for its rim to project between the rollers h secured in the head h on the vibrating, shaft, is a cam wheel h, of uniform thickness and diameter, but the sides or faces of which are waved uniformly to provide any desired number of vertical oscillations for the vibrator shaft with each rota- Connecting and rigidly slide in suitable rabbets in and feathered on said shaft is a headlike Mounted tion of the motor shaft, so that as said cam wheel revolves the head end of the extension frame on which the patient lies is vibrated very rapidly up and down, the rate of vibration depending upon the motor speed and the number of inclines or cam portions on said cam wheel, theamplitude of the vibration, of cour'se, depending upon the adjust-- ment of the pivot post toward or from the extension frame.

The operation is as follows: The patient having been placed upon the padded top of the extension frame, the ankle may be secured in the ankle clamp and the strap 6 on the arch bar 6 is securedabout the body to confine him to the machine. The shoulder brackets f are then fitted into the axilla for this purpose the stud ends ,1 being loosened to permit the bar F to be adjusted to suit the height of the patientand to bring the shoulder brackets to the right position, and then set up to rigidly secure the same against the tension to be exerted. The ends of the bars are swung inwardly or outwardly to adjust the shoulder pads and brackets integral therewith close against the shoulders and trunk with the curved portions closed against the chest. Should it not be desired to exert tension upon the neck of the patient, the head may rest in the head-rest though it is desirable to'secure the head in place by means of the chin strap 9' Vibration is now started up by means of the motor and as the vibration'continues, the. hand wheel 0 is rotated to gradually force the ankle clamps and tension frame oppositely until the desired tension is attained. When this is accomplished the tension may be maintained by means of the detent shown in Fig. 9, which comprises a toothed wheel K, secured on either of the shafts C or G, and a sprin pawl secured on the side rail of the tabfi in position to engage the teeth of said wheel. -The operation, of course, may be continued as lon as the same may be deemed desirable an during the period of vibratory tension treatment should be desired, massage, either mechanical or otherwise maybe applied to any portion of the back or neck of the patient by removing the slat E under the portion it is desired to treat, from the table, and thus affording access from below to' the surface to be so treated or affected. In the same manner, of course, should it be desired, hot or cold applications may be made or electrical treatment applied,.the'r emovable slats permitting ready access to any portion of the spinal region. In applying neck tension the shoulder pads may be ad usted merely to serve as a. partial support and to steady the patient the head may be rotated to a greater or less extent, vibratory action enabling the rotation to be effected with less pain than would be the case otherwise. Of course, in applying tension to the arms mainly or to the legs mainly, the head is permitted merely to rest in the headrest and any suitable extensions from the foot clamp may be used to engage the wrists. If the arms are to be subjected to tension, the shoulder pads are, of course, adjusted into place and the tension applied as before described, with the exception that the, ankle clamp operates on the wrists instead of on the ankles.

From the construction described a great variety of applications are possible, and, of course, there can'be no jar to the patient during the vibratory action owing to the Wheels or rollers supporting the extension frame being rubber tired. The machine may,

of'course, be used as an operating table for those desiring to' apply massage manually or mechanically without reference to the mechanical extension and vibrating appara-,

human body, embracing oppositely movable clamping members to engage the limbs and parts of the body, an extension frame for supporting the patient embracing a padded sectionally removable top, a padded head rest conforming to the head and means for turning the head rest transversely of the machine.

2. A machine for applying tension to the human body, embracing. oppositely movable head, an extension frame for supporting the patient embracing a padded sectionally removable top, means for vibrating the frame vertically, clamping members for the chest and means for adjusting, the .same longitudinally and transversely of the removable top.

3. A machine for applying tension to the human body, embracing clamping members to engage the limbs and parts ofthe body; and head, racks engaged thereto, pinions actuating said racks oppositely, an exten-' sion frame for supporting the patient embracing a padded sectionally removable top, means for oscillating the head clamp and means for adjusting the body clamps longi- Eudinally and transversely of the extension rame.

clamping members to engage the limbs and 4. A machine for applying tension to the human body, embracing oppositely movable clamping members to engage the limbs and the head, an extension frame for supporting the patient embracing a padded sectionally removable top, adjustable means for vibrating said frame, and combined clamping members, one part of each member padded to fit the axilla, and the other partof each member curved to engage over the chest.

5'. A machine for applying tension to the human body, embracing oppositely movable clamping members to engage the limbs and parts of the bodyand the head, an extension frame for supporting the patient embracing a padded sectionally removable top, means for adjusting the clamps to the height of the patient, a motor carried by the machine, means operated thereby for vibrating the extension frame and means for applying a torsional movement to parts of the patient simultaneously With the vibration.

6. A machine for applying tension to the. human body, embracing oppositely movable clamping members to engage the limbs and parts of the body and the head, an extension frame for supporting the patient embracing a paddle sectionally removable top, means adjusting the machine to the patient and vibrating mechanism for actuating the frame.

7. In a machine of the class described, means for engaging the limbs, a head clamp for applying tension to the cervical portion of the spine and means for rotating the head clamp While under tension.

8. In a machine of the class described, support-in means for the patient, means for clamplng the limbs, an adjustable head clamp for applying tension to the cervical portion ofthe spine, means for rotating the headclam While under tension and a vertically acting regulable vibrator for actuating the supporting means.

9. In a machine of the class described, means for clamping the feet, a vibrating head clampv for applying tension to the cervical portion of the spine and means for rotating the head clamp While under vibration and tension.

10. In a machine of the class described, padded clamps for engaging the limbs, a

padded head clamp for applying tension and vibration to the cervical portion of the spine and means for partly rotating the head clamp While vibrating under tension.

11. In a machine of the class described, feet clamps, a vertically vibrating head clamp for applying tension to the cervical portion of the spine, means applying tension thereto and-means for rotating the head clamp While under pressure.

ing the same to actuate them oppositely,

means for engaging said parts in adjusted position when under tension and a vibrator for actuating said mechanism vertically.

14. In a machine of the class described, means for applying vibratory treatment embracing a support for the patient, a vibrating bar pivoted thereon, a pivot post for said bar adjustable in the length thereof to vary the amplitude of vibration of the ends, a motor connected to vibrate oroscillate said bar and adjustable clamps for securing the body to the support.

15. In a device of the class described, an extension table, padded ankle clamps, mechanism for moving the same and table oppositely,,chest clamps, shoulder clamps, means for adjusting said chest and shoulder clamps simultaneously oppositely, a rotatable head rest and mechanism adapted to vibrate the head rest, table, chest clamps and shoulder clamps.

16. In a machine of the class described, a vibratable frame for supporting the patient, means for vibrating the same and means for applying tension tothe body and limbs of the patient while the frame is vibrating.

1'7 In a machine of the class described, a vibratable frame-for supporting the patient, and adjustable clamps for engaging the 105 chest or trunk of the patient.

18. In a machine of-the class described, a vibratable frame for supporting the patient, adjustable clamps'for engaging the chest or trunk of the patient and curved over the 110 chest and a padded rest for receiving the head.

19. A vibrating, tension and operating machine embracing a supporting frame, and chest clamps adjustable longitudinally and 115 transversely of the machine.

20. In a machine of the'class described, a supporting frame, chest or trunk clamps and means for simultaneously adjusting the chest or trunk clamps oppositely.

21. In a. machine of the class described, a supporting frame, chest or trunk clamps, means for simultaneously adjusting the chest or trunk clamps oppositely and means for independently adjusting the chest clamps to 125 accommodate patients of different lengths.

22. In a machine of the class described, means for supporting the patient and means for rotating the head of the patient.

23. In a machine of the class described, a 130 supporting table, a padded head rest, means for rigidly securing the head thereon and means for rotatingv the head rest to twist the neck of the patient.

24. In a machine of the class described, a supporting table and mechanisms for applying a tensile and a torsional tension to different parts of the body.

25. In a machine of the class described,a supporting table,,means for longitudinally stretching the trunk, limbs and cervical portions of the body and means for applying a torsional tension upon the proper parts of the body.

26. In a machine of the class described, a supporting table, means for vibrating the same, and means for applying a torsional motion to the desired part of the body While the table is being vibrated.

27. In a machine of the class described, a supporting table, means for vibrating the same, means for applying a torsional motion to the desired part of the body While the table is being vibrated, and means for applying longitudinal tension to the body While the table is vibrating.

28. In a machine ofthe class described, a supporting table, a shaft, and a padded head rest on said shaft adapted to be rotated by the shaft.

29.In a device of the class described, a supporting table, padded ankle clamps, means for adjusting the ankle clamps and table oppositely and means for locking the adjusting means for any adjustment of the ankle clamps and table. i

30. In a device of the class described, tracks, a supporting frame, wheels thereon supporting the frame on the tracks, independently removable padded sections supported'by the frame,'and means for vibrating the frame on the tracks.

31. In a device of the class described, tracks, a supporting frame, Wheels thereon supporting the frame on the tracks, independently removable padded sections supported by the frame, tracks at one end of the aforesaid tracks, a vibratable frame supported on said tracks, a motor on said frame and operative connections between the motor and supporting frame. 1

In a device of the class described, a. supporting frame, a motor frame, a motor thereon, vibrating connection between the supporting frame and motor frame and a pemova'ble padded top for the supporting rame. I

33. In a device of the class described, a supporting frame, a motor frame, a motor thereon, vibrating connections between the supporting frame. and motor frame,a removable added top for the supporting frame, and mechanism'secured to the supporting frame for confining the body and head thereto.

34. In a device of the class described, a supporting frame, padded removable sections secured thereto, and a bar pivotally secured to the frame at one end and curved over the frame for securing the body upon the padded sections and means for adjusting the bar for different sized bodies.

35. In a device of the class described, a supporting frame, padded removable sections secured thereto and a bar pivotally secured to the frame at one end and curved over the frame for securing the body upon the padded sections, means for adjusting the bar for different sized bodies and straps secured to the bar adapted to fasten around the body.

36. In a device of the class described, a supporting table, a bar curved. to conform to the body adjustably secured at each end to the table, a head rest, feet clamps and means for adjusting the head rest and feet clamps.

37. In a device of the class described, a supporting table, padded clamps secured thereto to engage in the axilla and clamps extending from the pads curved to conform to the chest.

'38. Ina device of the class described, a supporting table, padded clamps secured thereto to engage in the axilla, clamps extending from the pads curved to conform to the chest, a padded head rest shaped to conform to the head, padded feet clamps JOHN LEND.

Witnesses:

K. E. HANNAH, LAWRENCE REIBSTEIN. 

